Hidden hyperthyroidism symptoms. What are the manifestations of hyperthyroidism in women? Nodular or multinodular toxic goiter

Hyperthyroidism, its treatment and necessary medications is a fairly broad topic that is dealt with by endocrinologists. The complexity of this syndrome is due to the fact that disruption of the levels of the hormones T4-thyroxine, T3-triiodothyronine and TSH, the thyroid-stimulating hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, leads to very dangerous consequences.

Drugs for the treatment of hyperthyroidism are prescribed only after an accurate diagnosis has been made and the severity of the consequences of hormonal imbalance has been assessed. In addition, therapy includes a number of other activities. From therapeutic diet to surgical intervention. In this regard, it is necessary to become familiar with all aspects of thyrotoxicosis.

With hyperthyroidism, a person develops quite recognizable manifestations:

1. First of all, the signs of thyrotoxicosis are reflected in the human psyche. He becomes overly emotional and irritable. Sleep disturbances lead to sudden mood swings; activity can suddenly give way to deep apathy and vice versa.
2. A person gets tired quickly due to a malfunction of the thyroid gland.
3. The patient experiences an increase in appetite and is rapidly losing weight.
4. The patient does not tolerate changes in air temperature well. Especially the heat. His sweating increases, his hands and whole body begin to tremble slightly.
5. The patient's heart begins to beat at double the rate.
6. Blood pressure rises.
7. There is a disturbance in the gastrointestinal tract, manifested by diarrhea.
8. In women, the cyclicity of menstruation is disrupted, up to their complete disappearance.
9. In men, sexual impotence occurs, which affects sexual desire and erection.
10. Against the background of thyroid disease, a person may develop diabetes mellitus.
11. Signs of thyrotoxicosis are reflected in a person’s appearance, namely in his eyes. They protrude from the eye sockets, the sclera turns red, the eyes themselves constantly water, and the clarity of vision is impaired.
12. Hair and nails become thinner and brittle.

The variety of symptoms is explained by the fact that the hormones T3, T4 and TSH are involved in almost all processes of the body and, naturally, a violation of their levels affects a variety of human systems and organs.

Causes of hyperthyroidism

There are several reasons for the occurrence of thyrotoxicosis:

• First, elevated T3 and T4 can result from thyroid disease. Namely, the occurrence of diffuse toxic goiter, toxic multinodular goiter, and thyroid adenoma.
• Secondly, thyroid cells may begin to break down, releasing accumulated hormones. The cells are called thyrocytes and the condition is thyroiditis. It can be chronic, autoimmune, when antibodies begin to attack the cells of one’s own body, and postpartum.
• Thirdly, the cause of thyrotoxicosis may be a tumor of the pituitary gland that secretes TSH. At the same time, its secretion decreases, which leads to an increase in T3 and T4.
• Fourthly, the result of a malfunction of the thyroid gland can be an overdose of a number of medications, for example those containing iodine or those that lower heart rhythms. That is why such medications are taken only as prescribed by a doctor.

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism

After the first signs of the disease appear, the patient is sent to a series of diagnostic measures in order to clarify the diagnosis and establish the severity of the pathology. There are three degrees of severity:

1. In the subclinical form, T3 levels, etc.; remain normal, while TSH is slightly reduced. This is the mildest form of pathology.
2. In the manifest form of the disease, there is a violation of T3 levels. T4 and TSH. This form is considered to be of moderate severity.
3. Thyrotoxicosis is already a severe form and has obvious symptoms, including Graves' disease and diffuse goiter.

Abnormalities in hormone levels are detected by blood tests. During this procedure, not only the amount of hormones in the blood is determined, but also the presence of antibodies to TSH receptors.

An instrumental method for examining the thyroid gland is also used. Its complex includes ultrasound equipment, a tomograph, and in some cases, biopsy samples are examined.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment for thyroid hormone disorders depends on the severity of the pathology. As a rule, it is very long, up to several years, and includes a variety of techniques.

Medication method

Various medications are used for this disease. What they all have in common is the dosage method - at the very beginning of therapy, it is maximum, and towards the end of treatment it decreases to a minimum.

During this treatment, the patient takes hormone replacement drugs to restore the functions of internal organs and systems.

If therapy is carried out using medicinal methods, then the drugs are prescribed by an endocrinologist. He also calculates the dosage and dosage regimen individually for each individual patient. Tablets and medications are used depending on the situation:

1. Anaprilin. Available in tablets, it is indicated for coronary heart disease, thyrotoxicosis, liver cirrhosis, and in the postpartum period. The drug is not recommended for use in diabetes mellitus or kidney disease. This medicine may cause dizziness, respiratory spasms, general weakness or heart failure. Prescribed by a doctor.
2. Mercazolil. The drug has an antithyroid effect, iodizes thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland. Prescribed for diffuse toxic goiter, thyrotoxic crisis, and also used together with radioactive goiter preparations. It is used for the treatment of both children and adults; the dosage of the drug is prescribed on an individual basis. Side effects include conditions such as disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, central nervous system - causing severe headaches. Not recommended for use by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
3. Microiod. The drug has a beneficial effect on human metabolism, reduces thyroid hormones, has a sedative effect, and restores normal sleep. The drug cannot be used for tuberculosis, kidney diseases, neuroses, furunculosis, acne, urticaria and during pregnancy. To avoid overdose, the drug is prescribed by a doctor.
4. Propycyl. It has a reducing effect on active forms of iodine, which blocks the peroxidase system. Used for diffuse and toxic goiter. Side effects include itching, paresthesia, alopecia, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Overdose can lead to hypothyroidism. Therapy with this drug is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
5. Timrozol. This drug treats abnormal thyroid hormone levels. Excess iodine is removed from the thyroid gland. Due to slow absorption, the medicine is taken once every 24 hours or even less often. Contraindicated for liver disease. During pregnancy, the drug is allowed to be taken, but in extremely small doses.

Surgical method of treatment

Involves removing part of the thyroid gland. In a particularly severe form of the disease, the organ can be completely removed. After the operation, the patient undergoes a rehabilitation period and takes hormone replacement medications throughout his life.

Special diet

The patient's diet is determined by a nutritionist. It includes sea fish, shellfish, shrimp, and seaweed. Fruits: persimmons, apples, blueberries. Milk and cheese without spices are very healthy. You can eat pasta, beans, rice, buckwheat, millet, and chicken eggs. All these products contain natural iodine, which normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland. Fatty fried meats should be excluded from the patient's diet. Black coffee and tea are prohibited. You should absolutely not drink alcohol.

Phytotherapy

Normalization of the thyroid gland can occur as a result of treatment with infusions and decoctions of various herbs. This method of therapy cannot be considered as the main one; it is used more as a preventive measure. The herbs used in this method of treatment are valerian officinalis, jaundice herb, lemon balm, wormwood, rowan, strawberry, plantain, yarrow, sage and others. If you choose a herbal treatment method, you still need to consult a doctor before doing so.

Disease prevention

In order not to encounter thyroid diseases, it is necessary to follow a number of preventive recommendations:

1. Maintaining an active lifestyle. It is extremely important to regularly engage in any sport, and it is not the time and intensity of training that plays a role, but regularity. That is, you can simply take a walk or jog every day.
2. Proper nutrition. You need to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. At the same time, you cannot refuse meat food, the main thing is that the meat is boiled and not fried. All lovers of mono-diet, vegetarians and fruitarians and raw foodists, are at risk, since with such a diet, the body will not receive enough animal proteins and fats.
3. Visit to an endocrinologist. To prevent thyroid diseases, you need to check your thyroid gland at least 2 times a year and donate blood for analysis of T3, T4, TSH and antibodies to TSH. Also, if symptoms of the disease appear, you should immediately contact a specialist. In this case, the treatment will be easy and quick.
4. You need to dress appropriately for the weather, protect your body from hypothermia, overheating, and especially from excessive exposure to the sun.

Pathology cannot be left without treatment. Once every six months you should visit a sanatorium with an emphasis on cardiovascular diseases.

Hypothyroidism- a clinical syndrome that develops as a result of increased thyroid function.

The thyroid gland is one of the most important parts of the endocrine system. The hormones produced by this gland affect the intrauterine formation of the central nervous system, growth and psychophysical development in childhood, as well as the metabolic rate, heat production, reproductive function, protein synthesis, calcium metabolism and many other processes throughout life.

The production of thyroid hormones is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary system. The main thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroxine, the molecule of which contains 4 iodine atoms, is much less active than triiodothyronine, which is formed after the separation of 1 iodine atom from thyroxine.

Excessive production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine by the thyroid gland leads to the development of a clinical syndrome called thyrotoxicosis. A sharp (avalanche-like) increase in the level of thyroid hormones with severe clinical manifestations is called a thyrotoxic crisis.

Causes

Thyrotoxicosis develops in various diseases, for example:

• diffuse toxic goiter (Graves' disease, Graves' disease) is the most common cause;
• nodular/multinodular toxic goiter (Plummer's disease);
• thyroiditis (inflammatory processes in the tissues of the thyroid gland), usually in the initial stage;
• tumors of the thyroid gland or pituitary gland - extremely rare;
• uncontrolled, excessive intake of thyroid hormones, iodine, etc.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism are associated with increased oxygen consumption, intensified energy metabolism with the release of large amounts of heat, increased sensitivity to catecholamines (adrenaline, norepinephrine), activation of the sympathetic nervous system, etc. These processes are manifested by the following symptoms:

• increase in body temperature to a subfebrile level, sometimes higher;
• feeling of heat, poor heat tolerance, sweating;
shortness of breath, palpitations;
• trembling of limbs, muscle weakness, feeling of fatigue;
• changes in behavior - fussiness, increased excitability, irritability, anxiety, emotional lability;
• poor sleep - difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings;
• weight loss due to increased appetite;
• feeling of a “lump in the throat”, difficulty swallowing;
• diarrhea, abdominal pain, sometimes vomiting;
• deterioration of hair condition (thinning, loss, early gray hair), nails (brittleness);
• change in the contours of the anterior surface of the neck - a visible or palpable formation in the form of a “goiter”;
• characteristic changes in the eyes - “bulging eyes”, a feeling of “sand” in the eyes, blurred vision;
• Menstrual irregularities, decreased potency, increased blood glucose levels and other symptoms are also possible.

The set of symptoms, as well as the severity of their manifestation, is purely individual. The most dangerous is the so-called thyrotoxic crisis (thyrotoxic coma), which can develop against the background of diffuse toxic goiter with inadequate therapy or its complete absence, with increased load, stress, or surgery without special preparation. It is characterized by extreme severity of most of the listed symptoms - a sharp increase in body temperature (above 40 degrees), heavy sweat, frequent shallow breathing. The heart rate increases to 200 beats per minute, blood pressure first rises, then falls, urination decreases until there is no urine at all, severe agitation with delirium and hallucinations gives way to weakness, apathy and can result in loss of consciousness and coma. Thyrotoxic crisis is life-threatening and requires emergency medical attention.

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) is diagnosed primarily on the basis of laboratory tests: determining the level of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood, as well as the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), secreted by the pituitary gland in order to regulate the activity of the thyroid gland according to the “feedback” principle. Thyrotoxicosis is indicated by a decrease in TSH levels and an increase in T3 and T4.

Further diagnostics are carried out to determine the extent of pathological changes and their specific causes:

• ultrasound examination, computed tomography of the thyroid gland - detect nodules;
• radioisotope scintigraphy - evaluates the functional activity of the thyroid gland;
• if necessary, a biopsy of gland tissue is performed (for example, to exclude malignant neoplasms);
• MRI of the brain is performed to exclude pathology from the hypothalamic-pituitary system, which can rarely cause thyrotoxicosis;
• Antibodies to TSH receptors help confirm the diagnosis of diffuse toxic goiter.

Treatment

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Treatment methods are selected by an endocrinologist, depending on the immediate cause and severity of the pathological process.

• Conservative drug therapy involves long-term use of drugs that suppress the production of thyroid hormones, under constant monitoring of their levels in the blood, which is necessary for dose adjustment. After stable normalization of hormone concentrations, the patient continues to receive a maintenance dose of the drug. Drug therapy can be used as preparation for surgery, radioiodine therapy, and also as an independent method of treatment.
• Operative (surgical) treatment used when conservative methods are ineffective, as well as when there is a significant increase in the size of the thyroid gland, which leads to compression of neighboring organs and tissues (trachea, esophagus). The operation usually involves almost complete removal of the gland. After removal of the thyroid gland, thyrotoxicosis is replaced by hypothyroidism - the body begins to experience a lack of thyroid hormones, which subsequently requires their constant intake in the form of pharmaceuticals.
• Radioiodine therapy- consists of a single dose of radioactive iodine, which leads to the death of hormone-producing cells. Since this process is irreversible, then, in most cases, hormone replacement therapy is also necessary.

During the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, symptomatic drugs are also prescribed - drugs that slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, sedatives, etc.

(thyrotoxicosis) is a clinical syndrome caused by increased hormonal activity of the thyroid gland and characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones - T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Oversaturation of the blood with thyroid hormones causes an acceleration of all metabolic processes in the body (the so-called “metabolic fire”). This condition is the opposite of hypothyroidism, in which metabolic processes slow down due to decreased levels of thyroid hormones. If hyperthyroidism is suspected, a study of the level of thyroid hormones and TSH, ultrasound, scintigraphy, and, if necessary, a biopsy are performed.

General information

(thyrotoxicosis) is a clinical syndrome caused by increased hormonal activity of the thyroid gland and characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones - T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Oversaturation of the blood with thyroid hormones causes an acceleration of all metabolic processes in the body (the so-called “metabolic fire”). This condition is the opposite of hypothyroidism, in which metabolic processes slow down due to decreased levels of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is predominantly diagnosed among young women.

Causes of hyperthyroidism

Typically, hyperthyroidism develops as a result of other pathologies of the thyroid gland, caused both by disturbances in the gland itself and in its regulation: in 70 - 80% of cases, the development of hyperthyroidism occurs due to diffuse toxic goiter (Graves' disease, Graves' disease) - a uniform enlargement of the thyroid gland. This is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies are produced against the TSH receptors of the pituitary gland, which contribute to constant stimulation of the thyroid gland, its enlargement and persistent excess production of thyroid hormones.

With viral inflammation of the thyroid gland (subacute thyroiditis) or Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis, destruction of the follicular cells of the thyroid gland develops and excess thyroid hormones enter the blood. In this case, hyperthyroidism is temporary and mild, lasting several weeks or months. Local compactions in the thyroid gland during nodular goiter further increase the functional activity of its cells and the secretion of thyroid hormones.

Ophthalmological disorders (Graves' ophthalmopathy) with hyperthyroidism are found in more than 45% of patients. It is manifested by an increase in the palpebral fissure, displacement (protrusion) of the eyeball forward (exophthalmos) and limitation of its mobility, rare blinking, double vision, swelling of the eyelids. Dryness, erosion of the cornea occurs, pain in the eyes, lacrimation appears, and blindness may develop as a result of compression and dystrophic changes in the optic nerve.

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by changes in metabolism and acceleration of basal metabolism: weight loss with increased appetite, development of thyroid-induced diabetes, increased heat production (sweating, fever, heat intolerance), adrenal insufficiency as a result of the rapid breakdown of cortisol under the influence of thyroid hormones. With hyperthyroidism, changes occur in the skin - it becomes thin, warm and moist, hair - it becomes thinner and turns gray early, nails, and swelling of the soft tissues of the lower leg develops.

As a result of edema and congestion in the lungs, shortness of breath and a decrease in the vital capacity of the lungs develop. Gastric disorders are observed: increased appetite, impaired digestion and bile formation, unstable stools (frequent diarrhea), attacks of abdominal pain, enlarged liver (in severe cases - jaundice). Elderly patients may experience decreased appetite, including anorexia.

With hyperthyroidism, signs of thyrotoxic myopathy are observed: muscle wasting, muscle fatigue, constant weakness and trembling in the body and limbs, the development of osteoporosis, and impaired motor activity. Patients experience difficulty walking for a long time, climbing stairs, or carrying heavy objects. Sometimes reversible “thyrotoxic muscle paralysis” develops.

Violation of water metabolism is manifested by severe thirst, frequent and copious urination (polyuria). Reproductive dysfunction in hyperthyroidism develops as a result of impaired secretion of male and female gonadotropins and can cause infertility. Women experience menstrual irregularities (irregularity and pain, scanty discharge), general weakness, headache and fainting; in men – gynecomastia and decreased potency.

Complications of hyperthyroidism

If the course of hyperthyroidism is unfavorable, a thyrotoxic crisis may develop. It can be triggered by infectious diseases, stress, and heavy physical activity. The crisis is manifested by a sharp exacerbation of all symptoms of hyperthyroidism: fever, sharp tachycardia, signs of heart failure, delirium, progression of the crisis to a coma and death. An “apathetic” version of the crisis is possible - apathy, complete indifference, cachexia. Thyrotoxic crisis occurs only in women.

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by characteristic clinical manifestations (the patient’s appearance and complaints), as well as research results. In case of hyperthyroidism, it is informative to determine the content of the hormones TSH (reduced content), T 3 and T 4 (increased content) in the blood.

An ultrasound of the thyroid gland determines its size and the presence of nodules in it, and with the help of computed tomography the location of the nodule formation is specified. An ECG records the presence of abnormalities in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Radioisotope scintigraphy of the thyroid gland is performed to assess the functional activity of the gland and identify nodules. If necessary, a biopsy of the thyroid nodule is performed.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism

Modern endocrinology has several methods for treating hyperthyroidism, which can be used alone or in combination with each other. These methods include:

1. Conservative (drug) therapy.
2. Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland.
3. Radioiodine therapy.

It is definitely impossible to determine the best method that would be suitable for absolutely all patients with hyperthyroidism. The choice of treatment method that is optimal for a particular patient with hyperthyroidism is made by an endocrinologist, taking into account many factors: the patient’s age, the disease that caused hyperthyroidism and its severity, allergies to medications, the presence of concomitant diseases, and individual characteristics of the body.

Conservative treatment of hyperthyroidism

Drug treatment of hyperthyroidism is aimed at suppressing the secretory activity of the thyroid gland and reducing the production of excess thyroid hormones. Thyreostatic (antithyroid) drugs are used: methimazole or propylthiouracil, which hinder the accumulation of iodine necessary for the secretion of hormones in the thyroid gland.

Non-drug methods play an important role in the treatment and recovery of patients with hyperthyroidism: diet therapy, hydrotherapy. For patients with hyperthyroidism, sanatorium treatment with an emphasis on cardiovascular diseases is recommended (once every six months).

The diet should include a sufficient content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, vitamins and mineral salts; foods that stimulate the central nervous system (coffee, strong tea, chocolate, spices) are subject to restrictions.

Surgical treatment of hyperthyroidism

Before making a responsible decision about surgery, all alternative treatment methods, as well as the type and extent of possible surgery, are discussed with the patient. Surgery is indicated for some patients with hyperthyroidism and involves removing part of the thyroid gland. Indications for surgery are a single nodule or the growth of a separate area (tubercle) of the thyroid gland with increased secretion. The part of the thyroid gland remaining after surgery performs normal function. When most of the organ is removed (subtotal resection), hypothyroidism may develop, and the patient must receive replacement therapy throughout his life. After removing a significant portion of the thyroid gland, the risk of relapse of thyrotoxicosis is significantly reduced.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine

Radioiodine therapy (radioiodine treatment) involves the patient taking a capsule or an aqueous solution of radioactive iodine. The drug is taken once and is tasteless and odorless. Once in the blood, radioiodine penetrates the cells of the thyroid gland with hyperfunction, accumulates in them and destroys them within several weeks. As a result, the size of the thyroid gland decreases, the secretion of thyroid hormones and their level in the blood decrease. Treatment with radioactive iodine is prescribed simultaneously with medication. Complete recovery does not occur with this method of treatment, and patients sometimes remain hyperthyroidism, but less pronounced: in this case, it may be necessary to repeat the course.

More often, after treatment with radioactive iodine, a state of hypothyroidism is observed (after several months or years), which is compensated by replacement therapy (lifelong intake of thyroid hormones).

Other treatments for hypothyroidism

In the treatment of hyperthyroidism, beta-blockers can be used to block the effect of thyroid hormones on the body. The patient may feel better within a few hours, despite the excess levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. ß-adrenergic blockers include the following drugs: atenolol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, which have a long-term effect. With the exception of hyperthyroidism caused by thyroiditis, these drugs cannot be used as the exclusive treatment. ß - adrenergic blockers can be used in combination with other methods of treating thyroid diseases.

Forecast and prevention of hyperthyroidism

Patients with hyperthyroidism must be under the supervision of an endocrinologist. Timely and adequately selected treatment allows you to quickly restore good health and prevent the development of complications. It is necessary to begin treatment immediately after diagnosis and absolutely not self-medicate.

Prevention of the development of hyperthyroidism consists of proper nutrition, consumption of iodine-containing products, and timely treatment of existing thyroid pathology.

With hyperthyroidism, too much of these hormones enters the blood and metabolic processes accelerate. Unfortunately, this does not bode well.

Our expert - endocrinologist of the Clinic of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Research Institute of Nutrition", doctor of the highest category Tatyana Karamysheva.

Heart is pounding, hands are shaking

Hyperthyroidism, or, as it is also called, thyrotoxicosis, is a very unpleasant condition. Most often, people suffering from it complain of palpitations, excessive irritability, weakness, hair loss, poor tolerance of stuffiness, and slight tremors in the hands. Many people lose noticeable weight even though they eat a lot.

An experienced endocrinologist can often recognize hyperthyroidism simply by looking at the patient. And yet, making a diagnosis based only on symptoms is unacceptable. A laboratory blood test is required for thyroid hormones - T3 and T4, as well as for the pituitary hormone - TSH. The level of the former in hyperthyroidism is increased, the level of the latter is decreased. If this is the case, you need to start treatment as quickly as possible. The thyroid gland affects absolutely all systems of the body, so excessive production of its hormones can lead to serious complications. Including serious heart rhythm disturbances, heart attack, and kidney failure.

True or temporary?

However, before starting treatment, you will have to undergo a series of clarifying examinations. It is important to understand whether a person has true hyperthyroidism.

The thyroid gland is made up of cells that can be compared to small vesicles. Hormones are produced inside them, which then leak through the cell walls and enter the blood. With true hyperthyroidism, too many of these hormones are synthesized, that is, the gland works too actively. This condition is also called Graves' disease or Graves' disease.

But the picture may be different. For example, if the thyroid gland is inflamed, then the permeability of its cell walls increases, and the hormone is released into the blood faster than necessary. At the same time, its production does not increase; iron produces the same amount as usual. Such hyperthyroidism is usually a short-term phenomenon that often goes away on its own or requires only minimal correction. Graves' disease is much more difficult to treat. To distinguish them, an additional blood test for antibodies to TSH receptors is needed.

It is also important to do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. It helps to understand whether there are nodes in it. If there is, another study is required - scintigraphy with a radioisotope. Thanks to it, the doctor can understand whether the entire gland is working too actively or just a node. Unfortunately, in the latter case, treatment can only be surgical - modern medications for hyperthyroidism do not act on the nodes. If the entire gland is “raging,” the doctor prescribes medications.

When taking thyreostatics, the level of hemoglobin and the level of leukocytes in the blood may decrease. During treatment, it must be monitored at least once a month by taking a clinical blood test. Our immunity depends on the level of leukocytes, so during treatment even a minor cold requires increased attention. If you have a sore throat or a slight runny nose, you should immediately get a blood test. Is your white blood cell count low? Antibiotic treatment should be started immediately because the risk of bacterial complications is very high.

Reduce production

Another scheme: with the help of thyreostatics, the thyroid gland is completely “turned off” for a while. In this case, the patient takes tablets with its synthetic hormone every morning. For patients, this approach often causes bewilderment: their hormones are not only enough, but too much, and for some reason the doctor prescribes them additionally. However, such treatment makes sense. The “turned off” gland has the opportunity to rest and recover. After stopping the medications that suppress her, she can begin to work normally (drugs with hormones, of course, are immediately stopped).

Maximum - 2 years

During surgery, the gland can be completely removed, and then you will have to take pills containing its hormone for life. But often part of the gland is left, and in this case replacement therapy is not required.

An alternative to surgery is radioiodine therapy, where the activity of the thyroid gland is permanently suppressed using radio rays. This procedure is considered more gentle, so it is usually performed on elderly or weakened people who may not tolerate anesthesia. But since it is impossible to leave part of the working gland, in the future you will have to take drugs with its hormones. Of course, this gives the patient some discomfort, but it is very minor, especially compared to the possible consequences of hyperthyroidism. So there is no need to be afraid of radical treatment - if there are indications, it is necessary.

Many people think that hyperthyroidism is necessarily accompanied by endocrine ophthalmopathy, or, more simply, bulging eyes. In fact, these are two different diseases that can be observed separately from each other. But often they do combine, so eye enlargement is a good reason to consult an endocrinologist.

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

In most cases, this disease is observed in representatives of the weaker half of humanity. If you believe statistical data, in women this pathology is observed in seventeen to twenty cases out of a thousand, but in men only in two cases out of a thousand. Most often, this disease affects the working population between the ages of twenty and fifty.
The reasons contributing to the development of this pathological condition include infections and autoimmune pathologies, genetic mutations, overdose of medications that contain thyroid hormones, as well as exposure to adverse environmental factors.

Therapy for this condition involves, first of all, reducing the performance of the thyroid gland to the required norm. In this case, pharmaceutical agents are used that tend to block the production of thyroid hormones. In some cases, surgery is also performed, during which surgeons remove one of the parts of this organ.

Hyperthyroidism – what are the causes of its occurrence?

• Thyroiditis. With the development of this pathology, inflammation is observed in the thyroid gland. In most cases, thyroiditis occurs against the background of viral infectious diseases.
• Graves' disease or diffuse toxic goiter is considered to be the main cause of this disease. It is toxic goiter that contributes to the development of hyperthyroidism in eighty percent of cases. As a rule, this pathology occurs in women. Basedow's disease is considered to be an autoimmune pathology, and all because with the development of this disease, the human immune system begins to synthesize special antibodies, which in turn help to strengthen the functioning of the thyroid gland. Most often, patients with toxic goiter also have some other autoimmune pathologies such as gastritis, autoimmune hepatitis or glomerulonephritis. Obvious signs of Graves' disease include symptoms of hyperthyroidism and goiter.
• Thyroid adenoma or nodular goiter, in which there is increased functioning of a particular area of ​​thyroid tissue. In medicine, these areas are called “hot spots.”
• Taking excessive amounts of thyroid hormones in the form of certain pharmaceuticals.

Main symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism

• Heartbeat. In the presence of this pathology, patients indicate the presence of interruptions in the functioning of the heart. They may complain of both irregular heart rhythm and shortness of breath, strong heartbeats, pain in the heart area, and rapid pulse.
• Sexual dysfunction. Representatives of the weaker sex with this disease do not have menstruation, but representatives of the stronger sex experience a decrease in potency.
• Decrease in total body weight. Thyroid hormones tend to increase the intensity of the metabolic process. As a result, the human body loses a large amount of energy, which cannot be replenished with food. In most cases, patients with this pathology eat a lot, but at the same time lose weight.
• Symptoms from the central nervous system: insomnia, excessive excitability, impaired memory and attention, irritability, rapid mood swings.

• Hot and dry skin.
• Eye symptoms: swelling of the eyelids, bulging of the eyes, inability to concentrate on a single object, swelling, and the appearance of bags under the eyes.
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland to varying degrees. Sometimes, by feeling and examining the neck area, it is possible to identify the cause of the development of hyperthyroidism. For example, in the case of Graves' disease, there is a symmetrical enlargement of the thyroid gland, but a nodular neoplasm in this area indicates the development of a tumor-like process in the thyroid gland.
• Minor trembling of fingers.
• A prolonged increase in body temperature to thirty-seven and a half degrees or higher.

Methods for diagnosing hyperthyroidism

Laboratory research methods used to diagnose this pathology include:

• Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland. Using this method, it is possible to obtain information regarding the size and structure of the thyroid gland. In addition, it helps to assess blood flow in this area.
• Scintigraphy of the thyroid gland. It is used to identify the functional activity of certain areas of the thyroid gland.
• Determination of the amount of thyroid hormones in the blood, as well as the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone. If this pathology is present, there will be a decrease in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormones, as well as an increase in the amount of thyroid hormones.
• Puncture ( biopsy) thyroid gland.

Thyrotoxicosis - what complications can arise from this pathology?

Hyperthyroidism therapy

Drug therapy for thyrotoxicosis
In the fight against this pathology, doctors first of all prescribe antithyroid medications . In most cases, they are prescribed for mild enlargement of the thyroid gland. If the size of the thyroid gland is large, plus the patient shows signs of compression of nearby organs, then medications are used only to prepare the patient for surgery.
More and more often, antithyroid medications from the group have begun to be used in the fight against this disease. thionamides, namely Propylthiouracil, Thiamazole, Mercazolil. These drugs tend to suppress the formation of thyroid hormones.

Basic principles of using antithyroid medications:
In most cases, therapy with this type of drug begins with high dosages, approximately thirty to fifty milligrams twice a day. This dosage should be maintained until euthyroidism, that is, normal functioning of the thyroid gland. The amount of thyroid hormones in the blood will help assess the normal functioning of this organ.
When using high dosages of antithyroid medications, normalization of the amount of thyroid hormones in the blood can be noted after four to six weeks. As soon as the required therapeutic effect is achieved, the patient will be prescribed a maintenance dose of the drug ( Thiamazole up to ten milligrams per day). Therapy with maintenance doses is carried out for twelve months. In approximately thirty percent of cases, remission of this pathology can be observed. In recent years, to achieve more durable remission, doctors have prescribed antithyroid medications along with levothyroxine (twenty to fifty milligrams per day). While using antithyroid medications, some side effects may also develop.
The most common side effects that tend to occur while taking these drugs include:

• Allergic reactions such as dermatitis, urticaria and Quincke's edema.
• Agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia (decrease in the number of leukocytes and platelets in the blood). When treating this pathology, it is very important to take a blood test within the first ten days of treatment.

Therapy of thyrotoxicosis with radioactive iodine
In highly developed countries, therapy for thyrotoxicosis is considered impossible without radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine tends to enter the thyroid gland in a fairly short period of time, while it is constantly deposited in it. As a result of the decay of radioactive iodine, destruction is noted thyrocytes, that is, thyroid cells. This iodine is used internally in the form of sodium salt 131I in capsules or in solution. Remission of this pathology when using this iodine is observed in ninety percent of cases. Since this drug is currently produced in limited quantities, not all countries around the world can use it in the fight against this pathological condition.